Summary

This is a handsome and unusual volume of self-published poetry by a chaplain who is part of a multidisciplinary team in a geriatric outpatient clinic in Iowa City, Iowa. The poems articulate the struggles of older individuals, their families, and their caregivers to make sense of changes in later life. The 30 "poem portraits" are told from varying points of view. Three of the more compelling works are "Constance," "Remembering the Trees," and "House Dreaming."

Commentary

As the author explains, the poems in this volume have been generated from work with clients in a geriatric outpatient clinic. They are presented at interdisciplinary conferences as a means of revealing patients "as whole persons with lives and memories beyond blood pressures, pharmacy lists, and psychosocial needs." The author also has stated that this method of "presenting" clients has become accepted and valued by the clinically oriented members of the team.

Miscellaneous

Address for copies: 1117 St. Clements St., Iowa City, IA 52245, or by e-mail at cellars@willinet.net